fect, however, as they are, like a few words, presented by the road's side to the eye of a weary traveller, they may afford you some present direction and relief. And should he, who is pleased to employ the feeblest means in his greatest work, conduct you by them (though but a single step on your way) towards a Morning without clouds- -a House without mourning, the service of your affectionate friend will obtain a high reward.

FRIENDLY ADVICE

FROM

A MINISTER

TO

THE SERVANTS OF HIS PARISH.

He, that hearkeneth unto counsel, is wise....PROV. xii, 15.

FRIENDLY ADVICE,

&c.

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTION.

THE Author of this Address calls himself your FRIEND, because he wishes you well, and would serve you to the utmost of his power. If he has not silver and gold, such as he has he freely gives. He has been taught himself, that there are truths more valuable than either; and he would fain teach you the same: For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence; but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth LIFE to them that have it: Eccl. vii, 12.

I have an easy access to many of those whom you serve; and can remind them of their duty privately, as well as from the pulpit: but some of their servants I have no opportunity of conversing with; and therefore have composed the present little Tract for your use.

A minister, who rightly regards his situation, feels an affection for every class of his people: as the spiritual parent of a large family, he has a concern for every part of it; and, as the servant of Him who made himself the servant of all, he cannot overlook those who have a name so like his own.

But the service I am endeavouring to render you will very much depend upon your being willing to be served. There are minds in so unhappy a state, that nothing serious nor important can gain their attention.

If they read at all, they either amuse themselves with trifles, or poison themselves with trash. Such will, probably, throw away this tract in contempt, if it should fall into their hands. Should it, however, fall into the hands of one more thoughtful, I will endeavour that he shall be repaid for looking it over.

I have been often encouraged, when, from the pulpit, I have met a servant's attentive eye; or when 1 have seen him listening to a profitable remark while waiting in the parlour. I have been pleased to meet them at a bookseller's, inquiring for some instructive publication; and have been ready to say upon such occasions, Happy is the man,' whatever be his station, that getteth understanding,' for 'she is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her:' Prov. iii, 13, 18.

He

The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men that can render a reason,' Prov. xxvi, 16; but the man of understanding will think and listen. will seriously consider the shortness of life, and how stupid and brutish it is to waste it without improvement: much more so to sink it in folly, sensuality, and vice; and instead of making provision for a happy immortality, only lay the ground for bitter repentance.

Thinking persons, I say, cannot but feel the weight of these considerations; and, accordingly, they will listen to such hints as they meet with on the subject, and they will improve as they listen. In this temper and in this way, some of the first characters for usefulness and respectability have arisen from among servants; agreeably to that Scripture, 'A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren; Prov. xvii, 2.

Turn your mind, therefore, to such instruction as Providence shall please to afford you, in this or in any